Atom Computing

Quantum computing with neutral atom qubits

Optical Engineer

Design EngineeringConfirmed live in the last 24 hours

Full-timeBoulder, CO, USAIn-person

About the Job

Requirements

A bachelor's degree in Optical Sciences, Optical Engineering, or a related field is required.
At least 3 years of optical design experience is required.
At least 2 years of hands-on optics assembly experience in a laboratory environment is required.
Experience with Fourier optics, flat field relay optical systems, and telecentric imaging is required.
Experience designing high-numerical-aperture imaging systems is required.
Experience with Zemax, FRED, or equivalent ray-tracing software is required.
Experience with Onshape, SolidWorks, or equivalent 3D CAD design software is required.
The role requires the ability to lift and move objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
High attention to detail and accuracy are required.
The candidate must be able to think creatively and critically and strategize and solve problems in a dynamic environment.
The candidate must be able to work effectively in an open, collaborative environment.
Excellent communication, listening, and people skills are required.

Responsibilities

Partner with mechanical engineers and physicists to iteratively design optical subsystems for laser distribution, high-numerical-aperture microscope imaging, and optical cavities.
Analyze competing requirements and make recommendations to the engineering team.
Create novel designs and specifications for optical systems and subsystems, from component level to system level.
Evaluate the suitability of design solutions by performing detailed tolerance and stray light analysis.
Develop alignment procedures for optical designs.
Assist with hands-on assembly and precision alignment of finalized optical designs.
Characterize the performance of optical subsystems.

Desired Qualifications

An advanced degree is a plus.

Salary Range: 120000 to 150000 (Currency: USD) (Pay period: per-year-salary)

At Atom Computing, we build quantum computers using arrays of optically trapped neutral atoms that will empower customers to achieve unprecedented computational breakthroughs. Join a world-class team of scientists, engineers, and business professionals to advance the state-of-the-art in quantum computing.

We are seeking an Optical Engineer to lead the design and development of opto-mechanical subsystems, including the fixtures and processes required for their precision alignment and assembly.

Job Responsibilities

Partner with mechanical engineers and physicists to iteratively design optical subsystems in the areas of laser distribution, high numerical aperture microscope imaging, and optical cavities

Analyze and make recommendations to the engineering team for balancing competing requirements

Create novel designs and specifications of optical systems and subsystems from the component level up to the system level

Evaluate suitability of design solutions by performing detailed tolerance and stray light analysis

Develop alignment procedures for optical designs

Assist in hands-on assembly and precision alignment of finalized optical designs

Characterize the performance of optical subsystems

Capable of lifting and moving objects that weigh up to 25 pounds.

Experience & Education

Bachelor’s degree in Optical Sciences, Optical Engineering or related field. Advanced degree a plus

3+ years optical design experience

2+ years of hands-on optics assembly experience in a laboratory environment

Qualifications

Experience with Fourier Optics, flat field relay optical systems, and telecentric imaging

Experience in the design of high-numerical-aperture imaging systems

Experience with Zemax, FRED, or equivalent ray-tracing software

Experience with Onshape, Solidworks, or equivalent 3D CAD design software

High attention-to-detail and accuracy

Creative, critical thinking with ability to strategize and solve problems in a dynamic environment

Ability to work effectively in an open, collaborative environment

Excellent communication, listening and people skills

Atom Computing provides a wide variety of perks and benefits, including fully paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for our employees and their dependents. Additionally, unlimited paid time off, 401K company matching, short- and long-term disability, FSA, dependent care benefits, and life insurance. We also offer drinks, snacks, and catered team lunches in our offices, every day!

The base salary range for this position is between $120,000 - $150,000, commensurate with experience. In addition to salary, we offer an annual bonus and equity in the company.

About the Company

Atom Computing

Quantum computing with neutral atom qubits

Atom Computing builds quantum computers using neutral atom qubits, based in Berkeley. Its hardware relies on arrays of neutral atoms that act as qubits and can maintain quantum states for long periods, enabling complex calculations. The product works by trapping and manipulating these atoms with lasers and devices to perform quantum operations, with systems designed to scale to larger qubit counts while preserving coherence. The company differentiates itself by its focus on neutral-atom technology, which can offer long coherence times and scalable architectures, supported by collaborations, funding, and partnerships rather than relying solely on a single approach or software-only solutions. Its goal is to become a leader in quantum computing by delivering high-performance systems to universities, research groups, and tech companies, while continuing R&D and forming strategic partnerships to accelerate progress in the field.

Company size: 51-200
Company stage: Series C
Total funding: $301.2M
Headquarters: Berkeley, CA
Founded: 2018

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